There is a wonderful botanical garden UC at Berkeley. Check out the old redwood grove, the amphitheater among tall trees, and exotic plants like succulents, cactus, and many exotic species. Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, 94720

Take a tour at one of the world's most prestigious universities. UC Berkeley was founded in 1868. Call (510) 642-5215 or e-mail [email protected] for tour information. Address: 1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg, Berkeley, 94720

Go to the races at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley. Opened in 1941, this marvelous racetrack has races on a one-mile oval main track that makes the experience fun and welcoming. Address: 1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, 94710

Get the sense of the hippies and culture revolution of Berkeley and explore Amoeba Records. Amoeba was founded in 1990 and has become a Bay area music and cultural institution with one of the best selections of Cds, DVDs, and vinyl in the Bay Area. Address: 2455 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, 94704

Cheese Board Pizza is a pizza institution that is very popular, but well worth the wait. The thing about Cheese Board is that they only make one type of pizza everyday. So, everyday is something different. Take a plunge and get some pizza at this awesome Berkeley spot. Address: 1512 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, 94709

If you want peace and quiet then this is the perfect place for you. Aquatic Park is Berkeley's largest public park, with 32 acres of land and a series of lakes and lagoons for many activities. Address: 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, 94701

Kitchen on Fire offers hands-on cooking classes, demos and even lectures for foodies and more. Kitchen on Fire is a popular cooking school that is friendly and great for newcomers. Call (510) 548-2665 if you are interested in cooking classes in Berkeley.

Take a walk among the colorful roses and plants and step away. Built in 1937, this garden features some 3000 rose bushes made up of about 250 different species! Address: 1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, 94709